An investigation has begun into the death of an engineer at an air base in Blenheim.
Aviation repair and manufacturing company Safe Air, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand, says Miles Hunter died during what it describes as routine maintenance work on Monday.
The 51-year-old, who lived in Renwick, was working at the base at Woodbourne airport when the accident occurred about 8am.
Emergency services were called and CPR performed but attempts to revive Mr Hunter failed and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Air New Zealand says it is working with police and the Department of Labour on the investigation.
Mr Hunter had been a member of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union for about five years.
National secretary Bill Newson told Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint programme Mr Hunter had been working on a jet engine that was detached from a plane and on a rig.
Mr Newson says he understands the engine was on at the time and the death is a horrific shock.
The EPMU is sending its condolences to Mr Hunter's family and colleagues.
